Meet Dr. Robert Burstein

For me, being a dentist has been about the journey: My early years were focused on the skills and science, and today I enjoy the artistry. The most enjoyable part of the journey has been my patients. Many have been with me from the beginning.

I have seen marriages and children, then those children growing up, going off to college, getting married, and having children of their own. As a dentist, my patients are part of my family and I’m honored to be part of theirs.

I have practiced dentistry for more than 30 years and still have to check that every time I write it. This time has gone by so fast! My uncle Max was a general dentist and my cousin Irwin a periodontist. Growing up, I admired their focus, enthusiasm, technical skills, and how much they enjoyed helping others. When I decided I wanted to become a dentist, I don’t think I realized exactly how wonderful this profession is; it’s even better than I thought!

While I can fix teeth or replace them with a dental implant, what I really want to do is keep a problem from happening in the first place. I help patients understand their oral health and give them the tools and knowledge to care for their teeth. This means healthier, more confident smiles for each person!

My Team and Our Practice

Next to my kids, my team is my proudest accomplishment. Each person is thoughtful, kind, considerate, and intelligent. (They also have a great appetite for donuts!) They connect with each patient and are sympathetic to the person’s needs. We complement each other and are united in our common goal: To produce the best dentistry in a comfortable and kind environment.

Our office is a different kind of dental practice, in that it is not insurance-driven or guided by the financial bottom line of a large corporation. Instead, what we do is dictated by what is best for our patients and each person’s unique concerns and desires.

Education and Continuing Education

  • Bachelor of Science in biology – Indiana University
  • Doctorate of Dental Surgery – State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
  • General practice residency – Mt. Sinai Hospital, Hartford

I’m passionate about continually expanding my understanding of dentistry and staying at the leading edge of developments. Continuing education, through lectures, seminars, meetings, and study clubs, keeps me fresh.

Every year I attend the Connecticut State Dental Association annual lecture seminar, as well as the Yankee Dental Congress, American Association of Implant Dentistry meeting, and DentalXP annual meeting. I’ve also participated in:

  • Pikos Surgical Series on bone grafting and sinus lifts
  • Sonick seminar with Michael Sonick
  • Lectures and implant placements and sinus lifts with Steve William
  • Implant mini-residency, Mahwah, NJ
  • Esthetic Continue Series through SUNY Buffalo
  • Study of occlusion through the Pankey Institute

Professional Memberships

  • American Dental Association
  • American Academy of General Dentistry
  • American Association of Implant Dentistry
  • Connecticut State Dental Association
  • Hartford Dental Society
  • Seattle Study Club

Beyond the Office

I grew up near Buffalo on Lake Erie. Today I live in Ellington with the love of my life, Laurie, and two of my three kids, Rachael and William. My older child, Aaron, is in graduate school at the University of Illinois. Our family also includes Lucy the King Charles Spaniel and Felix the Bearded Dragon. Our house is chaotic and fun!

Outside the office I can often be found riding my bicycle — I’ve raced since I was 13 years old — and running marathons with Laurie. I love woodworking, too, and my failed projects turn into birdhouses. I have many birdhouses.

I try not to take myself too seriously and I think that helps patients feel comfortable talking with me. I hope you will feel the same!